◄ Genesis 41:44 ►
And Pharaoh declared to Joseph, "I am Pharaoh, but without your permission, no one in all the land of Egypt shall lift his hand or foot."
Study Bible
Pharaoh also told Joseph
This phrase introduces the authority and power of Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, who is speaking directly to Joseph. In the historical context, Pharaoh was considered a god-like figure in Egyptian society, wielding immense power. The Hebrew name "Joseph" means "He will add," which is prophetic of Joseph's role in adding prosperity and wisdom to Egypt. This interaction highlights the divine orchestration in Joseph's life, elevating him from a prisoner to a position of influence.

I am Pharaoh
The declaration "I am Pharaoh" emphasizes the absolute authority of the speaker. In ancient Egypt, Pharaohs were seen as divine intermediaries between the gods and the people. This statement underscores the magnitude of the trust and responsibility being placed upon Joseph, as Pharaoh is about to delegate significant authority to him.

but without your permission
This phrase signifies the transfer of authority from Pharaoh to Joseph. The Hebrew root for "permission" implies a sense of command or decree. It indicates that Joseph is being given unprecedented power, second only to Pharaoh himself. This reflects the biblical theme of God elevating the humble and faithful, as Joseph's journey from slavery to rulership exemplifies divine providence.

no one in all the land of Egypt
The scope of Joseph's authority is vast, covering "all the land of Egypt." Egypt was a powerful and influential nation in the ancient world, and this phrase highlights the extent of Joseph's influence. Historically, Egypt was a center of civilization, and Joseph's role would have had significant political and economic implications.

shall lift his hand or foot
This idiomatic expression conveys total control over actions and decisions. In the Hebrew context, "lifting a hand or foot" symbolizes taking action or making decisions. Joseph's authority is comprehensive, affecting every aspect of life in Egypt. This reflects the biblical principle that God can use His servants to bring about His purposes, granting them wisdom and authority to lead.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who recognizes Joseph's wisdom and authority by granting him significant power over the land.

2. Joseph
A Hebrew man who, through God's providence, rises from slavery and imprisonment to become the second most powerful man in Egypt.

3. Egypt
The land where Joseph is elevated to a position of authority, serving as a place of both trial and triumph for him.

4. Divine Providence
The overarching theme of God's guidance and provision in Joseph's life, leading to his rise in Egypt.

5. Authority and Governance
The event of Joseph being given authority by Pharaoh, symbolizing trust and responsibility.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Leadership
Joseph's rise to power demonstrates God's control over human affairs, reminding us to trust in His plans even when circumstances seem dire.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Joseph's consistent integrity and faithfulness, despite his trials, serve as a model for believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

The Role of Wisdom and Discernment
Joseph's ability to interpret dreams and manage resources highlights the importance of seeking God's wisdom in our decisions.

Authority and Responsibility
With great authority comes great responsibility. Joseph's account encourages us to use any position of influence for God's glory and the good of others.

God's Purpose in Suffering
Joseph's journey from suffering to prominence illustrates how God can use our hardships to fulfill His greater purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's account in Genesis 41:44 illustrate the concept of divine providence, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

2. In what ways does Joseph's rise to power in Egypt parallel other biblical figures who were elevated by God, and what can we learn from these parallels?

3. How can we demonstrate faithfulness and integrity in our own "Egypts" or challenging circumstances, as Joseph did?

4. What role does wisdom play in Joseph's leadership, and how can we seek and apply godly wisdom in our daily decisions?

5. How does Joseph's account encourage us to view our own trials and sufferings in light of God's greater purpose and plan?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 39:2-4
Joseph's rise in Potiphar's house foreshadows his later rise in Egypt, showing God's favor and Joseph's integrity.

Daniel 6:3
Daniel, like Joseph, is recognized for his exceptional qualities and is given authority in a foreign land, illustrating God's ability to elevate His faithful servants.

Romans 8:28
This verse speaks to God's ability to work all things for good, as seen in Joseph's life where his trials lead to a greater purpose.

Proverbs 21:1
The heart of a king is in the hand of the Lord, reflecting how God orchestrates events in Joseph's favor through Pharaoh.

Acts 7:9-10
Stephen recounts Joseph's account, emphasizing God's deliverance and purpose in Joseph's life.
Sermons
Ability DiscoveredOne Thousand New lllustrationsGenesis 41:37-45
Egyptian-Fine LinenThings Not Generally Known.Genesis 41:37-45
From Prison to PalaceA. Maclaren, D. D.Genesis 41:37-45
Governor of EgyptProf. Hilprecht.Genesis 41:37-45
High Endowments Qualify for RespectG. Lawson, D. D.Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph, the Wise RulerD. O. Mears.Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph, the Wise RulerD. G. Hughes, M. A.Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph's ExaltationGenesis 41:37-45
Joseph's ExaltationJ. C. Gray.Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph's Promotion in EgyptHomilistGenesis 41:37-45
Joseph's Qualification for RulingF. W. Robertson, M. A.Genesis 41:37-45
Leaders of MenVinet.Genesis 41:37-45
Pharaoh Accepts Joseph's AdviceT. H. Leale.Genesis 41:37-45
Pharaoh and JosephA. P. Foster, D. D.Genesis 41:37-45
Pharaoh's Prime MinisterW. S. Smith, B. D.Genesis 41:37-45
The Secret of Joseph's ElevationW. M. Taylor, D. D.Genesis 41:37-45
The Tried ManR.A. Redford Genesis 41
People
Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, Zaphnathpaaneah
Places
Egypt, Nile River, On
Topics
Anything, Consent, Egypt, Foot, Joseph, Lift, Moreover, Order, Permission, Pharaoh, Raise, Though, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 41:44

     8650   hands, lifting up

Genesis 41:1-49

     8131   guidance, results

Genesis 41:41-45

     5501   reward, human

Genesis 41:41-49

     5542   society, positive

Library
The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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